Vilpa Films is set to launch its new streaming platform, Vilpa Max, dedicated to short films on January 31, 2024. The platform aims to showcase a diverse array of short films, including those that have garnered critical acclaim at prestigious film festivals such as the Oscars and Cannes. Founded by Mexican producer, filmmaker, and author Alejandro Vilpa, the initiative seeks to provide a global stage for emerging filmmakers.
Initially, Vilpa Max will be available in the U.K., North Africa, and the Middle East, with plans to expand to additional regions in the future. The platform offers a choice between a freemium model, which includes advertisements, and a paid subscription priced at £4.99 (approximately $6.68) in the U.K. and $3.99 in the Middle East and North Africa.
The launch lineup for Vilpa Max is impressive, featuring acclaimed titles such as the Oscar-winning short The Mozart of Pickpockets, directed by Philippe Pollet-Villard, and the Oscar-nominated The Red Suitcase by Cyrus Neshvad. Additionally, the platform will host the Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winner All the Crows in the World, directed by Yi Tang. Other notable films include Poof from Dean Anderson and Love Is Blind from Dan Hodgson, both of which were part of Cannes’ official selection.
Furthermore, users will have access to Bienvenidos a Los Ángeles, a film by Lisa Cole that has been shortlisted for the 2024 Academy Awards, as well as Nocturne in Black by Jimmy Keyrouz.
In a statement, Alejandro Vilpa emphasized the mission of Vilpa Films and Vilpa Max: “We aim to champion extraordinary cinema while creating a bridge for emerging filmmakers to enter the international distribution landscape. We curate and produce work that stands alongside Oscar-winning and Cannes-acclaimed films, offering audiences a catalogue defined by vision, craft, and cultural impact. At the same time, we empower new voices by giving them opportunities to gain international visibility and positioning as they continue building their careers.”
Before founding Vilpa Films, Vilpa was involved with the script development team at Caledonia Productions, the U.S. branch of Eon Productions, known for producing the James Bond franchise.
With the launch of Vilpa Max, the company aims to not only enhance the visibility of short films but also to foster the growth of new talent within the global film community. As the platform prepares for its debut, it promises to be a significant addition to the landscape of film streaming services, appealing to both short film enthusiasts and those seeking to discover the next generation of filmmakers.
